Synchronized augmented reality gameplay across multiple gaming environments

ABSTRACT

Various embodiments of the invention disclosed herein provide techniques for implementing augmented reality (AR) gameplay across multiple AR gaming environments. A synchronized AR gaming application executing on an AR gaming console detects that a first gaming console that is executing an AR gaming application has exited a first AR gaming environment and entered a second AR gaming environment. The synchronized AR gaming application connects to a communications network associated with the second AR gaming environment. The synchronized AR gaming application detects, via the communications network, a sensor associated with the second AR gaming environment. The synchronized AR gaming application alters execution of the AR gaming application based at least in part on sensor data received via the sensor to enable the AR gaming application to continue executing as the first gaming console exits the first AR gaming environment and enters the second AR gaming environment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to augmented reality technologyand, more specifically, to synchronized augmented reality gameplayacross multiple gaming environments.

Description of the Related Art

Computer-based AR gameplay has become a widely popular form of personalentertainment. Increasingly, computer-based gaming systems are virtualreality (VR)-based or augmented reality (AR)-based. In a VR system, auser experiences an artificial three-dimensional (3D) environmentgenerated by a computer, where the user views the VR environment via aVR display apparatus, such as VR glasses or a VR headset. Similarly, inan AR system, a user sees and experiences both two-dimensional (2D)and/or three-dimensional (3D) objects generated by a computer as well asphysical objects that exist in the actual real world, where the userviews the AR environment via a display apparatus, such as AR glasses oran AR headset.

In one type of AR system, a user wears a special transparent device,such as an AR headset, through which the user views physical objects inthe real world along with computer-generated virtual objects that arerendered onto a display surface of the AR headset. In other types of ARsystems, a device projects images of the virtual objects directly ontothe user's eyes as the user views the physical real-world environment.In yet other types of AR systems, a user holds a mobile device, such asa smartphone or tablet computer. The AR system is fitted with a camerato capture images of the physical environment surrounding the user. Thecaptured images are superimposed with one or more virtual,computer-generated 2D and/or 3D objects and then displayed on thedisplay screen of the AR system. For any of these types of AR systems,the virtual objects appear as objects in the physical real-worldenvironment.

During a typical computer-based AR game, a user views computer-generatedimages on the VR system or AR system and manipulates controls on a gamecontroller to achieve certain game-related results. For example, theuser could manipulate the controls on a game controller to move acharacter through various challenges and solve puzzles, to fire weaponson a virtual intruder, or to retrieve certain objects for later useduring the game.

As a general matter, a given computer-based AR game is usually optimizedto a particular AR gaming environment and does not operate in other ARgaming environments. As one example, a computer-based AR game that isoptimized for a residential AR gaming environment could be equipped withsensors that track the user along with walls, furniture, and otherobjects typically found in a residential home. However, a computer-basedAR game that is optimized for a residential AR gaming environment wouldnot be capable of detecting objects in a moving vehicle or in an openoutdoor space. Similarly, a computer-based AR game that is optimized fora vehicle AR gaming environment could be equipped with sensors thattrack the user along with objects within a vehicle passenger compartmentas well as objects outside of the vehicle while the vehicle is inmotion. However, a computer-based AR game that is optimized for avehicle AR gaming environment would not be capable of detecting objectsin a home or in an open outdoor space. Further, a computer-based AR gamethat is optimized for an outdoor AR gaming environment could beconfigured with sensors that track the user and other objects moving inan open area, but would not be capable of detecting objects in a home orin a moving vehicle. Each of these computer-based AR games is optimizedfor the unique types of objects and sensors found in a particular ARgaming environment. Outside of the AR gaming environment for which acomputer-based AR game was optimized, the computer-based AR game isrendered unusable or significantly limited.

As noted above, one drawback of conventional computer-based AR gamingsystems is that users are generally unable to move from one AR gamingenvironment to another AR gaming environment when playing thecomputer-based AR game. Instead, when a user moves from a first ARgaming environment to a second AR gaming environment, the user typicallyhas to exit the computer-based AR game, which has been optimized for thefirst AR gaming environment. Once the user is within the second ARgaming environment, the user executes a different computer-based AR gamethat has been optimized for the second AR gaming environment. Suchdisruptions in AR gameplay result in suboptimal user experiences.

As the foregoing illustrates, what is needed in the art are moreeffective techniques for implementing augmented reality gameplay acrossdifferent gaming environments.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Various embodiments of the invention disclosed herein provide a methodfor implementing augmented reality (AR) gameplay across multiple gamingenvironments. The method includes detecting that a first gaming consolethat is executing an AR gaming application has exited a first AR gamingenvironment and entered a second AR gaming environment. The methodfurther includes connecting to a communications network associated withthe second AR gaming environment. The method further includes detecting,via the communications network, a sensor associated with the second ARgaming environment. The method further includes altering execution ofthe AR gaming application based at least in part on sensor data receivedvia the sensor to enable the AR gaming application to continue executingas the first gaming console exits the first AR gaming environment andenters the second AR gaming environment.

Other embodiments of the present invention include, without limitation,a computer-readable medium including instructions for performing one ormore aspects of the disclosed techniques, as well as a computing deviceand system for performing one or more aspects of the disclosedtechniques.

At least one technical advantage of the disclosed techniques relative tothe prior art is that a user experiences a more seamless gamingexperience when transitioning from one augmented reality gamingenvironment to another augmented reality gaming environment. In thatregard, the disclosed techniques enable a user's AR headset toautomatically disconnect from one augmented reality gaming environmentand reconnect to the other augmented reality gaming environment withoutinterrupting gameplay. In so doing, the user's AR headset automaticallyswitches from receiving sensor data from sensors in the previousaugmented reality gaming environment to receiving sensor data fromsensors in the new augmented reality gaming environment. As a result,the user can have a more immersive and uninterrupted experience whenplaying a computer-based augmented reality game. These technicaladvantages represent one or more technological improvements over priorart approaches.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the above recited features of the inventioncan be understood in detail, a more particular description of theinvention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference toembodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Itis to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate onlytypical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to beconsidered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to otherequally effective embodiments.

FIG. 1 illustrates a system configured to implement one or more aspectsof the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a more detailed illustration of the AR gaming console of FIG.1, according to various embodiments of the present invention; and

FIGS. 3A-3B set forth a flow diagram of method steps for enablingaugmented reality gameplay across multiple gaming environments,according to various embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth toprovide a more thorough understanding of the present invention. However,it will be apparent to one of skill in the art that embodiments of thepresent invention may be practiced without one or more of these specificdetails.

System Overview

FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 configured to implement one or moreaspects of the present invention. As shown, the system includes, withoutlimitation, a local AR gaming environment 110, a vehicle AR gamingenvironment 120, and a play space AR gaming environment 130 incommunication with each other via a communications network 140.Communications network 140 may be any suitable environment to enablecommunications among remote or local computer systems and computingdevices, including, without limitation, point-to-point communicationschannels, Bluetooth, WiFi, infrared communications, wireless and wiredLANs (Local Area Networks), one or more internet-based WANs (Wide AreaNetworks), and cellular data networks.

Local AR gaming environment 110 includes, without limitation, an ARgaming console 102(a), local sensors 112, and a local network interface114. AR gaming console 102(a), local sensors 112, and local networkinterface 114 communicate with each other over one or morecommunications channels. The communications channels may be associatedwith any suitable environment to enable communications among remote orlocal computer systems and computing devices, including, withoutlimitation, point-to-point communications channels, Bluetooth, WiFi,infrared communications, wireless and wired LANs (Local Area Networks),one or more internet-based WANs (Wide Area Networks), and cellular datanetworks.

As further discussed herein, AR gaming console 102(a), 102(b), and102(c) represent the same AR gaming console in different environments.The user may seamlessly transition across different gaming environmentsby moving the AR gaming console from one gaming environment to anothergaming environment. When in local AR gaming environment 110, the ARgaming console is referred to as AR gaming console 102(a). Similarly,when in vehicle AR gaming environment 120, the AR gaming console isreferred to as AR gaming console 102(b). Further, when in play space ARgaming environment 130, the AR gaming console is referred to as ARgaming console 102(c). The AR gaming console may be flexibly andseamlessly moved across any of local AR gaming environment 110, vehicleAR gaming environment 120, and play space AR gaming environment 130, inany technically feasible combination.

AR gaming console 102(a) includes, without limitation, a computingdevice that may be a personal computer, personal digital assistant,mobile phone, mobile device, or any other device suitable forimplementing one or more aspects of the present invention. In someembodiments, AR gaming console 102(a), may include an embedded computingsystem that is integrated into augmented reality goggles, augmentedreality glasses, heads-up display (HUD), handheld device, or any othertechnically feasible AR viewing device.

In operation, AR gaming console 102(a) executes a synchronized AR gamingapplication to control various aspects of gameplay. AR gaming console102(a) receives control inputs from internal sensors, including trackingdata. Additionally or alternatively, AR gaming console 102(a) receivescontrol inputs from local sensors 112, including tracking data. Thetracking data includes the position and/or orientation of AR gamingconsole 102(a). From this tracking data, AR gaming console 102(a)determines the location of the user and the direction that the user islooking. Additionally or alternatively, the tracking data includes theposition and/or orientation of one or more walls, ceilings, and otherobjects detected by AR gaming console 102(a) and/or local sensors 112.Based on the tracking data, AR gaming console 102(a) may alter theexecution of one or more aspects of the computer-generated AR game. Asone example, AR gaming console 102(a) could include one or more camerasand a mechanism for tracking objects visible in images captured by thecamera. AR gaming console 102(a) could detect when the hands of the userare included in the image captured by the camera. AR gaming console102(a) could then determine the location and orientation of the hands ofthe user.

Similarly, AR gaming console 102(a) receives control inputs from one ormore game controllers (not shown). The control inputs include, withoutlimitation, button presses, trigger activations, and tracking dataassociated with the game controllers. The tracking data may include thelocation and/or orientation of the game controllers. The gamecontrollers transmit control inputs to AR gaming console 102(a). In thismanner, AR gaming console 102(a) determines which controls of the gamecontrollers are active. Further, AR gaming console 102(a) tracks thelocation and orientation of the game controllers. Each game controllermay be in any technically feasible configuration, including, withoutlimitation, a button panel, a joystick, a wand, a handheld weapon, asteering mechanism, a data glove, or a controller sleeve worn over theuser's arm.

Local sensors 112 transmit tracking data and other information to ARgaming console 102(a) via local network interface 114. Local sensors 112supplement the tracking data that is detected directly via sensorsintegrated into AR gaming console 102(a). Local sensors 112 may include,without limitation, simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM)tracking systems, beacon tracking systems, security cameras, lighthousetracking and other laser-based tracking systems, and smart home sensingsystems, in any technically feasible combination.

Local network interface 114 provides an interface between communicationsnetwork 140 and the local network over which AR gaming console 102(a)and local sensors 112 communicate. Additionally or alternatively, anyone or more of AR gaming console 102(a) and local sensors 112 maycommunicate directly with communications network 140.

Vehicle AR gaming environment 120 includes, without limitation, an ARgaming console 102(b), vehicle sensors 122, and a vehicle networkinterface 124. AR gaming console 102(b), vehicle sensors 122, andvehicle network interface 124 communicate with each other over one ormore communications channels. The communications channels may beassociated with any suitable environment to enable communications amongremote or local computer systems and computing devices, including,without limitation, point-to-point communications channels, Bluetooth,WiFi, infrared communications, wireless and wired LANs (Local AreaNetworks), one or more internet-based WANs (Wide Area Networks), andcellular data networks.

AR gaming console 102(b) functions substantially the same as AR gamingconsole 102(a) except as further described below.

Vehicle sensors 122 transmit tracking data and other information to ARgaming console 102(b) via vehicle network interface 124. Vehicle sensors122 supplement the tracking data that is detected directly via sensorsintegrated into AR gaming console 102(b). Vehicle sensors 122 mayinclude, without limitation, one or more cameras, vehicle trackingsensors, inertial sensors, seat sensors, or real-time sensors for anautonomous driving system, in any technically feasible combination.Based on data from sensors integrated into AR gaming console 102(b)along with data from vehicle sensors 122, AR gaming console 102(b)computes the real-time direction and location of the vehicle, rate oftravel, acceleration, braking, and linear and torque forces exerted onthe vehicle. In addition, based on data from sensors integrated into ARgaming console 102(b) along with data from vehicle sensors 122, ARgaming console 102(b) computes the location of the user and thedirection that the user is looking. In the case of a moving vehicle, ARgaming console 102(b) analyzes vehicle AR gaming environment 120 toselect a suitable stable reference point within the moving vehicle, andnot a reference point that is external to the moving vehicle. Byselecting a reference point within the moving vehicle, AR gaming console102(b) may accurately identify the location and orientation of the user,game controllers, and other objects within the moving vehicle.

Vehicle network interface 124 provides an interface betweencommunications network 140 and the local network over which AR gamingconsole 102(b) and vehicle sensors 122 communicate. Additionally oralternatively, any one or more of AR gaming console 102(b) and vehiclesensors 122 may communicate directly with communications network 140.

Play space AR gaming environment 130 includes, without limitation, an ARAR gaming console 102(c), environmental sensors 132, a turret station134, and a play space network interface 138. AR gaming console 102(c),environmental sensors 132, turret station 134, and play space networkinterface 138 communicate with each other over one or morecommunications channels. The communications channels may be associatedwith any suitable environment to enable communications among remote orlocal computer systems and computing devices, including, withoutlimitation, point-to-point communications channels, Bluetooth, WiFi,infrared communications, wireless and wired LANs (Local Area Networks),one or more internet-based WANs (Wide Area Networks), and cellular datanetworks.

AR gaming console 102(c) functions substantially the same as AR gamingconsole 102(a) and AR gaming console 102(b), except as further describedbelow.

Environmental sensors 132 transmit tracking data and other informationto AR gaming console 102(c) via play space network interface 138.Environmental sensors 132 supplement the tracking data that is detecteddirectly via sensors integrated into AR gaming console 102(c).Environmental sensors 132 may include, without limitation, securitycameras, image recognition systems, global positioning system (GPS)tracking systems, landmark positioning systems, user and skeleton-basedtracking systems, geo-fencing systems and geotagging systems, in anytechnically feasible combination.

Certain play space environments 130 may include a turret station 134 inaddition to environmental sensors 132, where a turret station 134 is astructure, such as a tower or outbuilding, that is fitted with one ormore sensors. The sensors included in the turret station 134 transmittracking data and other information to AR gaming console 102(c) via playspace network interface 138. The sensors included in the turret station134 supplement the tracking data that is detected directly via sensorsintegrated into AR gaming console 102(c) and the tracking data fromenvironmental sensors 132. The sensors included in the turret station134 may include, without limitation, security cameras, image recognitionsystems, GPS tracking systems, landmark positioning systems, user andskeleton-based tracking systems, geo-fencing systems and geotaggingsystems, in any technically feasible combination.

Certain play space environments 130 are equipped to facilitate multiusercomputer-based AR games. In such play space environments 130, AR gamingconsole 102(c) interacts with one or more additional AR gaming consoles136 operated by other users. The additional AR gaming consoles 136function substantially the same as AR gaming console 102(c). As such,each of the additional AR gaming consoles 136 executes additionalinstances of the computer-based AR game that is executed by AR gamingconsole 102(c). Further, the additional AR gaming consoles 136 mayreceive tracking data and other information from sensors integrated intothe additional AR gaming consoles 136, environmental sensors 132 andsensors included in the turret station 134, in any technically feasiblecombination.

Play space network interface 138 provides an interface betweencommunications network 140 and the local network over which AR gamingconsole 102(c), environmental sensors 132, turret station 134, andadditional AR gaming consoles 136 communicate. Additionally oralternatively, any one or more of AR gaming console 102(c),environmental sensors 132, turret station 134, and additional AR gamingconsoles 136 may communicate directly with communications network 140.

It will be appreciated that the system shown herein is illustrative andthat variations and modifications are possible. In one example, thesystem 100 of FIG. 1 is illustrated with a certain number andconfiguration of AR gaming consoles 102, local sensors 112, vehiclesensors 122, environmental sensors 132, turret stations 134, additionalAR gaming consoles 136, and network interfaces. However, the system 100could include any technically feasible number and configuration of ARgaming consoles 102, local sensors 112, vehicle sensors 122,environmental sensors 132, turret stations 134, additional AR gamingconsoles 136, and network interfaces within the scope of the presentdisclosure.

In another example, the techniques are disclosed as being executed on anAR gaming console 102 that is integrated into an AR headset. However,the disclosed techniques could be performed by the AR gaming console 102of FIG. 1, an AR gaming console embedded into a standalone computingdevice, a computer integrated into a vehicle, or a virtual AR gamingconsole executing on a server connected to communications network 140,in any technically feasible combination. Further, any one or more of thedisclosed techniques may be performed by,

In yet another example, the techniques are disclosed herein in thecontext of computer gaming AR environments. However, the disclosedtechniques could be employed in any technically feasible environmentwithin the scope of the present disclosure. The disclosed techniquescould be employed in teleconferencing applications where individual ormulti-person groups, such as a group convened in a corporate conferenceroom, communicate and/or collaboratively work with each other.Additionally or alternatively, the disclosed techniques could beemployed in scenarios where a user engages in an interactive meetingwith a physician or other professional. Additionally or alternatively,the disclosed techniques could be employed in collaborative workscenarios where a single user, multiple users, and/or groups of usersreview and edit various documents that appear on a display monitor 106and/or in 3D space as AR objects rendered and displayed by AR headsetsystem 104. Any or all of these embodiments fall within the scope of thepresent disclosure, in any technically feasible combination. Moregenerally, one skilled in the art would recognize that these examplesare non-limiting and that any technically feasible implementation fallswithin the scope of the invention.

Techniques for transitioning across multiple gaming environments as partof an immersive computer gaming experience are now described in greaterdetail below in conjunction with FIGS. 2-3B.

Augmented Reality Gameplay Across Multiple Gaming Environments

FIG. 2 is a more detailed illustration of the AR gaming console 102 ofFIG. 1, according to various embodiments of the present invention. Asshown in AR headset system 104 includes, without limitation, a processor202, storage 204, an input/output (I/O) devices interface 206, a networkinterface 208, an interconnect 210, a system memory 212, a visioncapture device 214, a display 216, and sensors 218.

The processor 202 retrieves and executes programming instructions storedin the system memory 212. Similarly, the processor 202 stores andretrieves application data residing in the system memory 212. Theinterconnect 210 facilitates transmission, such as of programminginstructions and application data, between the processor 202,input/output (I/O) devices interface 206, storage 204, network interface208, system memory 212, vision capture device 214, display 216, andsensors 218. The I/O devices interface 206 is configured to receiveinput data from user I/O devices 222. Examples of user I/O devices 222may include one of more buttons, a keyboard, and a mouse or otherpointing device. The I/O devices interface 206 may also include an audiooutput unit configured to generate an electrical audio output signal,and user I/O devices 222 may further include one or more speakerconfigured to generate an acoustic output in response to the electricalaudio output signal. The speakers may be integrated into a monaural,stereo, or multi-speaker headset system. The I/O devices interface 206may also include an audio input unit that includes one or moremicrophones. In some embodiments, the audio input unit may be employedfor performing noise cancellation, where one or more noise cancellationsignals are transmitted to one or more speakers included in the audiooutput unit.

The vision capture device 214 includes one or more cameras to captureimages from the physical environment for analysis, processing, anddisplay. In operation, the vision capture device 214 captures andtransmits vision information to any one or more other elements includedin the AR headset system 104. The one or more cameras may includeinfrared cameras, monochrome cameras, color cameras, time-of-flightcameras, stereo cameras, and multi-camera imagers, in any technicallyfeasible combination. In some embodiments, the vision capture device 214provides support for various vision-related functions, including,without limitation, image recognition, visual inertial odometry, andsimultaneous locating and mapping (SLAM) tracking.

The display 216 generally represents any technically feasible means forgenerating an image for display. The display 216 includes one or moredisplay devices for displaying AR objects and other AR content. Thedisplay may be embedded into a head-mounted display (HMD) system that isintegrated into the AR headset system 104. The display 216 reflects,overlays, and/or generates an image including one or more AR objectsinto or onto the physical environment via an liquid crystal device (LCD)display, light emitting diode (LED) display, organic light emittingdiode (OLED) display, digital light processing (DLP) display,waveguide-based display, projection display, reflective display, or anyother technically feasible display technology. The display 216 mayemploy any technically feasible approach to integrate AR objects intothe physical environment, including, without limitation, pass-thru,waveguide, and screen-mirror optics approaches. The display device maybe a TV that includes a broadcast or cable tuner for receiving digitalor analog television signals.

The sensors 218 include one or more devices to acquire location andorientation data associated with the AR headset system 104. The sensors218 may employ any technically feasible approach to acquire location andorientation data, including, without limitation, GPS tracking, radiofrequency identification (RFID) tracking, gravity-sensing approaches andmagnetic-field-sensing approaches. In that regard, the sensors 218 mayinclude any one or more accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers,and/or any other technically feasible devices for acquiring location andorientation data. The location and orientation data acquired by sensors218 may be supplemental to or as an alternative to camera orientationdata, e.g. yaw, pitch, and roll data, generated by the vision capturedevice 214.

Processor 202 is included to be representative of a single CPU, multipleCPUs, a single CPU having multiple processing cores, a graphicprocessing unit (GPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), and the like,in any technically feasible combination. And the system memory 212 isgenerally included to be representative of a random access memory. Thestorage 204 may be a disk drive storage device. Although shown as asingle unit, the storage 204 may be a combination of fixed and/orremovable storage devices, such as fixed disc drives, floppy discdrives, tape drives, removable memory cards, or optical storage, networkattached storage (NAS), or a storage area-network (SAN). Processor 202communicates to other computing devices and systems via networkinterface 208, where network interface 208 is configured to transmit andreceive data via a communications network, such as communicationsnetwork 140. Network interface 208 may support for variouscommunications channels, including, without limitation, point-to-pointcommunications channels, Bluetooth, WiFi, infrared communications,wireless and wired LANs (Local Area Networks), one or moreinternet-based WANs (Wide Area Networks), and cellular data networks, inany technically feasible combination.

The system memory 212 includes, without limitation, a synchronized ARgaming application 232 and a data store 242. Synchronized AR gamingapplication 232, when executed by the processor 202, performs one ormore operations associated with AR gaming console 102 of FIG. 1, asfurther described herein. Data store 242 provides memory storage forvarious items of gaming content, as further described herein.Synchronized AR gaming application 232 stores data in and retrieves datafrom data store 242, as further described herein.

In operation, synchronized AR gaming application 232 executes asynchronized AR gaming application to control various aspects ofgameplay. Synchronized AR gaming application 232 receives control inputsfrom internal sensors, including tracking data. Additionally oralternatively, Synchronized AR gaming application 232 receives controlinputs, including tracking data, from one or more sensors external to ARgaming console 102. The tracking data includes the position and/ororientation of the AR gaming console 102. From this tracking data,Synchronized AR gaming application 232 determines the location of theuser and the direction that the user is looking. Additionally oralternatively, the tracking data includes the position and/ororientation of one or more users and other objects detected bysynchronized AR gaming application 232 and/or external sensors. Based onthe tracking data, synchronized AR gaming application 232 may alter theexecution of one or more aspects of the computer-generated AR game.

Similarly, synchronized AR gaming application 232 receives controlinputs from one or more game controllers (not shown). The control inputsinclude, without limitation, button presses, trigger activations, andtracking data associated with the game controllers. The tracking datamay include the location and/or orientation of the game controllers. Thegame controllers transmit control inputs to synchronized AR gamingapplication 232 via AR gaming console 102. In this manner, synchronizedAR gaming application 232 determines which controls of the gamecontrollers are active. Further, synchronized AR gaming application 232tracks the location and orientation of the game controllers. Each gamecontroller may be in any technically feasible configuration, including,without limitation, a button panel, a joystick, a wand, a handheldweapon, a steering mechanism, a data glove, or a controller sleeve wornover the user's arm.

In addition, synchronized AR gaming application 232 detects when ARgaming console 102 is moved from one gaming environment to a differentgaming environment. In response, synchronized AR gaming application 232transitions across the gaming environments. More specifically,synchronized AR gaming application 232 automatically disconnects fromthe current gaming environment and connects to the new gamingenvironment without interrupting gameplay of the computer-based AR game.An example case of transitioning across multiple gaming environments isnow described.

A user in a local AR gaming environment 110, such as the user's home,begins executing synchronized AR gaming application 232 in order to playa computer-based AR game. Synchronized AR gaming application 232identifies one or more wireless or wired networks that are active withinlocal AR gaming environment 110. Synchronized AR gaming application 232identifies a network that AR gaming console 102 is authorized to access.In some embodiments, synchronized AR gaming application 232 may detect anetwork signal from a network that AR gaming console 102 is authorizedto access. Synchronized AR gaming application 232 connects to thenetwork and identifies one or more local sensors 112 that are withinlocal AR gaming environment 110. Synchronized AR gaming application 232receives sensor data from sensors that are integrated into AR gamingconsole 102 as well as sensor data from local sensors 112. Via thesensor data, synchronized AR gaming application 232 tracks the locationand orientation of the user and other objects within local AR gamingenvironment 110. Based on the tracking data, synchronized AR gamingapplication 232 may alter the execution of one or more aspects of thecomputer-generated AR game.

In some embodiments, synchronized AR gaming application 232 may detect acomputing device within local AR gaming environment 110 that is incommunication with a local communications network and is capable toperform one or more of the techniques performed by synchronized ARgaming application 232. If such a computing device is detected,synchronized AR gaming application 232 may offload all or a portion ofthe tasks of the computer-based AR game to the computing device. In thismanner, synchronized AR gaming application 232 may reduce the powerconsumed by AR gaming console 102 and improve performance of thecomputer-based AR game. Subsequently, synchronized AR gaming application232 may detect that AR gaming console 102 is about to exit local ARgaming environment 110. In response, synchronized AR gaming application232 may offload all or a portion of the tasks previously offloaded tothe computing device back to AR gaming console 102.

The user then decides to leave home and travel by vehicle to a playspace. As the user leaves home, synchronized AR gaming application 232detects that AR gaming console 102 is no longer within local AR gamingenvironment 110. In so doing, synchronized AR gaming application 232 maydetect that AR gaming console 102 has disconnected from the networkwithin local AR gaming environment 110. Additionally or alternatively,synchronized AR gaming application 232 may detect that a received signalstrength indicator (RSSI) level of a signal received from one or morelocal sensors 112 or from local network interface 114 has fallen below athreshold level. Additionally or alternatively, synchronized AR gamingapplication 232 may detect, via one or more local sensors 112, that ARgaming console 102 is no longer in a bounded area of a residenceassociated with the local AR gaming environment 110. Upon detecting ARgaming console 102 is no longer within local AR gaming environment 110,synchronized AR gaming application 232 continues gameplay, but withoutrelying on sensor data from local sensors 112. Instead, synchronized ARgaming application 232 continues gameplay based only on sensor data fromthe sensors integrated into AR gaming console 102.

Subsequently, the user enters the vehicle. Synchronized AR gamingapplication 232 identifies one or more wireless or wired networks thatare active within vehicle AR gaming environment 120. Synchronized ARgaming application 232 identifies a network that AR gaming console 102is authorized to access. In some embodiments, synchronized AR gamingapplication 232 may detect a network signal from a network that ARgaming console 102 is authorized to access. Synchronized AR gamingapplication 232 connects to the network and identifies one or morevehicle sensors 122 that are within vehicle AR gaming environment 120.Synchronized AR gaming application 232 receives sensor data from sensorsthat are integrated into AR gaming console 102 as well as sensor datafrom vehicle sensors 122. Via the sensor data, synchronized AR gamingapplication 232 tracks the location and orientation of the user andother objects within vehicle AR gaming environment 120. Based on thetracking data, synchronized AR gaming application 232 may alter theexecution of one or more aspects of the computer-generated AR game.Further, synchronized AR gaming application 232 may alter the executionof one or more aspects of the computer-generated AR game based on theoperation of AR gaming console 102 within vehicle AR gaming environment120. For example, synchronized AR gaming application 232 could generatea simulated spaceship via the AR headset to provide the experience offlying the spaceship within the computer-generated AR game. Further,synchronized AR gaming application 232 could enable the user to fireweapons from the spaceship towards other users who are playing the gameas pedestrians or as occupants of one or more other vehicles.

In some embodiments, synchronized AR gaming application 232 may identifya computing device within vehicle AR gaming environment 120, such as thevehicle's computer, that is capable to perform one or more of thetechniques performed by synchronized AR gaming application 232. If sucha computing device is identified, synchronized AR gaming application 232may offload all or a portion of the tasks of the computer-based AR gameto the computing device. In this manner, synchronized AR gamingapplication 232 may reduce the power consumed by AR gaming console 102and improve performance of the computer-based AR game. Subsequently,synchronized AR gaming application 232 may detect that AR gaming console102 is about to exit vehicle AR gaming environment 120. In response,synchronized AR gaming application 232 may offload all or a portion ofthe tasks previously offloaded to the computing device back to AR gamingconsole 102.

The user then arrives at the play space and leaves the vehicle. As theuser leaves the vehicle, synchronized AR gaming application 232 detectsthat AR gaming console 102 is no longer within vehicle AR gamingenvironment 120. In so doing, synchronized AR gaming application 232 maydetect that AR gaming console 102 has disconnected from the networkwithin vehicle AR gaming environment 120. Additionally or alternatively,synchronized AR gaming application 232 may detect that an RSSI level ofa signal received from one or more vehicle sensors 122 or from vehiclenetwork interface 124 has fallen below a threshold level. Additionallyor alternatively, synchronized AR gaming application 232 may detect, viaone or more vehicle sensors 122, that AR gaming console 102 is no longerin the passenger compartment and/or is outside of the vehicle. Upondetecting AR gaming console 102 is no longer within vehicle AR gamingenvironment 120, synchronized AR gaming application 232 continuesgameplay, but without relying on sensor data from vehicle sensors 122.Instead, synchronized AR gaming application 232 continues gameplay basedonly on sensor data from the sensors integrated into AR gaming console102.

Subsequently, the user enters the play space. Synchronized AR gamingapplication 232 identifies one or more wireless or wired networks thatare active within play space AR gaming environment 130. Synchronized ARgaming application 232 identifies a network that AR gaming console 102is authorized to access. In some embodiments, synchronized AR gamingapplication 232 may detect a network signal from a network that ARgaming console 102 is authorized to access. Synchronized AR gamingapplication 232 connects to the network and identifies one or moreenvironmental sensors 122 that are within play space AR gamingenvironment 130. Additionally or alternatively, synchronized AR gamingapplication 232 identifies one or more sensors mounted on a turretstation 134. Synchronized AR gaming application 232 receives sensor datafrom sensors that are integrated into AR gaming console 102 as well assensor data from one or both of environmental sensors 122 and sensorsmounted on turret station 134. Via the sensor data, synchronized ARgaming application 232 tracks the location and orientation of the userand other objects within play space AR gaming environment 130. Based onthe tracking data, synchronized AR gaming application 232 may alter theexecution of one or more aspects of the computer-generated AR game.Further, synchronized AR gaming application 232 detects additional ARgaming consoles 136 within play space AR gaming environment 130. Inresponse, synchronized AR gaming application 232 interacts with theadditional AR gaming consoles 136 to coordinate gameplay with otherusers within play space AR gaming environment 130.

In some embodiments, synchronized AR gaming application 232 may detect acomputing device within play space AR gaming environment 130 that is incommunication with a local communications network and is capable toperform one or more of the techniques performed by synchronized ARgaming application 232. If such a computing device is detected,synchronized AR gaming application 232 may offload all or a portion ofthe tasks of the computer-based AR game to the computing device. In thismanner, synchronized AR gaming application 232 may reduce the powerconsumed by AR gaming console 102 and improve performance of thecomputer-based AR game. Subsequently, synchronized AR gaming application232 may detect that AR gaming console 102 is about to exit play space ARgaming environment 130. In response, synchronized AR gaming application232 may offload all or a portion of the tasks previously offloaded tothe computing device back to AR gaming console 102.

Subsequently, the user leaves the play space. As the user leaves theplay space, synchronized AR gaming application 232 detects that ARgaming console 102 is no longer within play space AR gaming environment130. In so doing, synchronized AR gaming application 232 may detect thatAR gaming console 102 has disconnected from the network within playspace AR gaming environment 130. Additionally or alternatively,synchronized AR gaming application 232 may detect that a received signalstrength indicator (RSSI) level of a signal received from one or moreenvironmental sensors 112, from one or more sensors mounted on turretstation 134, or from play space network interface 138 has fallen below athreshold level. Additionally or alternatively, synchronized AR gamingapplication 232 may detect that AR gaming console 102 has exited playspace AR gaming environment 130 based on geotagging and/or geo-fencingdata. Additionally or alternatively, synchronized AR gaming application232 may detect, via one or more local sensors 112, that AR gamingconsole 102 is no longer in a defined area within the open play spaceassociated with the play space AR gaming environment 130. Upon detectingAR gaming console 102 is no longer within play space AR gamingenvironment 130, synchronized AR gaming application 232 continuesgameplay, but without relying on sensor data from environmental sensors112 or from the sensors mounted on turret station 134. Instead,synchronized AR gaming application 232 continues gameplay based only onsensor data from the sensors integrated into AR gaming console 102.

In this manner, synchronized AR gaming application 232 generatesseamless gameplay of a computer-generated AR game is the usertransitions across multiple gaming environments.

In some embodiments, each AR gaming console for a set of users maypossess a common game network identifier (ID) and a unique instance IDfor multiuser peer-to-peer gameplay. In such embodiments, users with anAR gaming console that possesses the correct game network ID havepermission to join the corresponding computer-generated AR game. Uponjoining, the AR gaming console 102 may publish the unique instance ID.As a result, the other AR gaming consoles may identify that thecorresponding user has joined the computer-generated AR game. Further,AR gaming consoles 102 may be geographically restricted. In this manner,an AR gaming console 102 that possess the correct game network ID maynevertheless be prohibited from joining the computer-generated AR gameunless the AR gaming console 102 is within a certain distance from aspecified geographical location. More specifically, AR gaming console102 may detect that a second AR gaming console is executing the ARgaming application and is residing within a different AR gamingenvironment. AR gaming console 102 may determine that the second gamingconsole is within a threshold distance from the first gaming console. ARgaming console 102 may then alter execution of the AR gaming applicationto enable an interaction between the AR gaming consoles.

AR gaming consoles 102 may be connected to a network within acorresponding play space AR gaming environment 130. Additionally oralternatively, AR gaming consoles 102 may register onto the network froma remotely located network, such as a network within local AR gamingenvironment 110 or vehicle AR gaming environment 120. Additionally oralternatively, AR gaming consoles 102 that are not currently connectedto a wireless network in a particular gaming environment may registeronto the network via a cellular data network.

In some embodiments, a computer-based AR game may be controlled from oneor more central servers connected to communications network 140.Additionally or alternatively, the computer-based AR game may becontrolled via multiple peer-to-peer AR gaming consoles 102 that connectto generate a mesh network. In some embodiments, the computer-based ARgame may be controlled via a hybrid system of a central serversconnected to communications network 140 as well as a mesh networkgenerated by multiple peer-to-peer AR gaming consoles 102. In suchembodiments, AR gaming consoles 102 may execute the instances of thecomputer-based AR game while the one or more central services providecommon services for the peer-to-peer AR gaming consoles 102. Thesecentral services may include, without limitation, voice commands,geo-fencing, geotagging, SLAM tracking, and control of autonomouscomputer-generated players.

In some embodiments, an AR gaming console 102 may employ one or moreexternal cameras for remote viewing. In such embodiments, the AR gamingconsole 102 may display images from a remote camera on all or part ofthe display 216 in the AR gaming console 102. Additionally oralternatively, the AR gaming console 102 may generate sound effects,such as footsteps, or visual effects, such as shadows or warningmessages, when an image from external camera indicates other users arenearby but are not currently in the field of view of the AR gamingconsole 102.

FIGS. 3A-3B set forth a flow diagram of method steps for enablingaugmented reality gameplay across multiple gaming environments,according to various embodiments of the present invention. Although themethod steps are described in conjunction with the systems of FIGS. 1-2,persons of ordinary skill in the art will understand that any systemconfigured to perform the method steps, in any order, is within thescope of the present invention.

As shown, a method 300 begins at step 302, where synchronized AR gamingapplication 232 executes a computer-based AR game on an AR gamingconsole 102. The computer-based AR game may be an augmented reality gamethat the user plays with one or more other users via additional gameconsoles. At step 304, synchronized AR gaming application 232 tracks theuser and/or other objects via one or more sensors integrated into ARgaming console 102. These sensors may include, without limitation,cameras, GPS trackers, RFID trackers, accelerometers, gyroscopes, andmagnetometers. Based on the tracking data, synchronized AR gamingapplication 232 may alter the execution of one or more aspects of thecomputer-generated AR game. More specifically, synchronized AR gamingapplication 232 alters execution of the computer-generated AR game toalter the view of the user and display one or more AR objects to theuser based on the tracking data. At step 306, synchronized AR gamingapplication 232 detects that AR gaming console 102 resides within afirst AR gaming environment. More specifically, synchronized AR gamingapplication 232 detects one or more networks that are associated with aparticular gaming environment. In some embodiments, synchronized ARgaming application 232 may detect a network signal from a network thatAR gaming console 102 is authorized to access. The gaming environmentmay be a local AR gaming environment 110, a vehicle AR gamingenvironment 120, or a play space AR gaming environment 130. At step 308,synchronized AR gaming application 232 connects to a network associatedwith the first AR gaming environment. The network may include, withoutlimitation, point-to-point communications channels, Bluetooth, WiFi,infrared communications, wireless and wired LANs (Local Area Networks),one or more internet-based WANs (Wide Area Networks), and cellular datanetworks. At step 310, synchronized AR gaming application 232 detectsone or more external sensors within the first AR gaming environment. Theexternal sensors may be any one or more of the sensors described herein.At step 312, synchronized AR gaming application 232 tracks the userand/or other objects via the detected external sensors within the firstAR gaming environment as well as the one or more sensors integrated intoAR gaming console 102. Based on the tracking data, synchronized ARgaming application 232 may alter the execution of one or more aspects ofthe computer-generated AR game. More specifically, synchronized ARgaming application 232 alters execution of the computer-generated ARgame to alter the view of the user and display one or more AR objects tothe user based on the tracking data. Further, synchronized AR gamingapplication 232 alters execution of the computer-generated AR game basedon received sensor data in order to enable the synchronized AR gamingapplication 232 to continue executing as the first gaming console exitsthe first AR gaming environment and enters the second AR gamingenvironment.

Subsequently, at step 314 synchronized AR gaming application 232 detectsthat AR gaming console 102 is no longer within the first AR gamingenvironment. In so doing, synchronized AR gaming application 232 maydetect that AR gaming console 102 has disconnected from the networkwithin the first AR gaming environment. Additionally or alternatively,synchronized AR gaming application 232 may detect that an RSSI level ofa signal received from one or more external sensors or from a networkinterface has fallen below a threshold level. The external sensors maybe any one or more of the sensors described herein. Additionally oralternatively, synchronized AR gaming application 232 may detect that ARgaming console 102 has exited the first AR gaming environment based ongeotagging and/or geo-fencing data. At step 316, synchronized AR gamingapplication 232 disconnects from the network associated with the firstAR gaming environment. As a result, synchronized AR gaming application232 ceases tracking the user and/or other objects based on externalsensor data. Instead, at step 318, synchronized AR gaming application232 tracks the user and/or other objects via only the one or moresensors integrated into AR gaming console 102. Based on the trackingdata, synchronized AR gaming application 232 may alter the execution ofone or more aspects of the computer-generated AR game. Morespecifically, synchronized AR gaming application 232 alters execution ofthe computer-generated AR game to alter the view of the user and displayone or more AR objects to the user based on the tracking data. Further,synchronized AR gaming application 232 alters execution of thecomputer-generated AR game based on received sensor data in order toenable the synchronized AR gaming application 232 to continue executingas the first gaming console exits the first AR gaming environment andenters the second AR gaming environment.

At step 320, synchronized AR gaming application 232 synchronized ARgaming application 232 detects that AR gaming console 102 resides withina second AR gaming environment. More specifically, synchronized ARgaming application 232 detects one or more networks that are associatedwith a particular gaming environment. In some embodiments, synchronizedAR gaming application 232 may detect a network signal from a networkthat AR gaming console 102 is authorized to access. Additionally oralternatively, synchronized AR gaming application 232 may detect that anRSSI level of a signal received from one or more external sensors orfrom a network interface associated with the second AR gamingenvironment is above a threshold level. The external sensors may be anyone or more of the sensors described herein. Additionally oralternatively, synchronized AR gaming application 232 may detect that ARgaming console 102 has entered the second AR gaming environment based ongeotagging and/or geo-fencing data. The gaming environment may be alocal AR gaming environment 110, a vehicle AR gaming environment 120, ora play space AR gaming environment 130. At step 322, synchronized ARgaming application 232 connects to a network associated with the secondAR gaming environment. The network may include, without limitation,point-to-point communications channels, Bluetooth, WiFi, infraredcommunications, wireless and wired LANs (Local Area Networks), one ormore internet-based WANs (Wide Area Networks), and cellular datanetworks. At step 324, synchronized AR gaming application 232 detectsone or more external sensors within the second AR gaming environment.The external sensors may be any one or more of the sensors describedherein. At step 326, synchronized AR gaming application 232 tracks theuser and/or other objects via the detected external sensors within thesecond AR gaming environment as well as the one or more sensorsintegrated into AR gaming console 102. Based on the tracking data,synchronized AR gaming application 232 may alter the execution of one ormore aspects of the computer-generated AR game. More specifically,synchronized AR gaming application 232 alters execution of thecomputer-generated AR game to alter the view of the user and display oneor more AR objects to the user based on the tracking data. Further,synchronized AR gaming application 232 alters execution of thecomputer-generated AR game based on received sensor data in order toenable the synchronized AR gaming application 232 to continue executingas the first gaming console exits the first AR gaming environment andenters the second AR gaming environment.

The method 300 then terminates. Additionally or alternatively,synchronized AR gaming application 232 may continue to external executeany or all of steps 304 through 326 as the user continues game playwhile entering and exiting various gaming environments.

In sum, techniques are disclosed for seamlessly transitioning acrossmultiple gaming environments when executing an augmented realitycomputer-based AR game. A user may begin executing the computer-based ARgame on an AR gaming console within a local gaming environment, such asthe user's home. The user may leave the local gaming environment andenter a vehicle in order to travel to a play space. The AR gamingconsole automatically disconnects from the local gaming environment andconnects to the vehicle gaming environment. When the user arrives at theplay space, the user exits the vehicle and enters the play space. The ARgaming console automatically disconnects from the vehicle gamingenvironment and connects to the play space gaming environment. As aresult, the AR gaming console fluidly and seamless transitions acrossthe al gaming environment, vehicle gaming environment, and play spacegaming environment.

In addition, users executing the computer-based AR game in one gamingenvironment may interact with other users in the same or differentgaming environments. For example, a user executing the computer-based ARgame within a vehicle gaming environment may encounter other users whoare executing the computer-based AR game as pedestrians within a playspace gaming environment. The AR gaming console of the user within thevehicle gaming environment communicates with the AR gaming consoles ofthe users within the play space gaming environment. As a result, theuser within the vehicle gaming environment and the users within the playspace gaming environment may interact with one another in the context ofthe computer-based AR game.

At least one technical advantage of the disclosed techniques relative tothe prior art is that a user experiences a more seamless gamingexperience when transitioning from one augmented reality gamingenvironment to another augmented reality gaming environment. In thatregard, the disclosed techniques enable a user's AR headset toautomatically disconnect from one augmented reality gaming environmentand reconnect to the other augmented reality gaming environment withoutinterrupting gameplay. In so doing, the user's AR headset automaticallyswitches from receiving sensor data from sensors in the previousaugmented reality gaming environment to receiving sensor data fromsensors in the new augmented reality gaming environment. As a result,the user can have a more immersive and uninterrupted experience whenplaying a computer-based augmented reality game. These technicaladvantages represent one or more technological improvements over priorart approaches.

1. In some embodiments, a computer-implemented method for implementingaugmented reality (AR) gameplay across multiple gaming environmentscomprises: detecting that a first gaming console that is executing an ARgaming application has exited a first AR gaming environment and entereda second AR gaming environment; connecting to a communications networkassociated with the second AR gaming environment; detecting, via thecommunications network, a sensor associated with the second AR gamingenvironment; and altering execution of the AR gaming application basedat least in part on sensor data received via the sensor to enable the ARgaming application to continue executing as the first gaming consoleexits the first AR gaming environment and enters the second AR gamingenvironment.

2. The computer-implemented method according to clause 1, furthercomprising: detecting that the first gaming console has exited thesecond AR gaming environment and entered a third AR gaming environment;disconnecting from the communications network; and altering execution ofthe AR gaming application based at least in part on second sensor datareceived via a second sensor integrated into the first gaming console toenable the AR gaming application to continue executing as the firstgaming console exits the second AR gaming environment and enters thethird AR gaming environment.

3. The computer-implemented method according to clause 1 or clause 2,wherein detecting that the first gaming console has exited the first ARgaming environment comprises detecting that a received signal strengthindicator (RSSI) level associated with second sensor data received via asecond sensor associated with the first AR gaming environment is below athreshold level.

4. The computer-implemented method according to any of clauses 1-3,wherein the first AR gaming environment is associated with a vehicle,and wherein detecting that the first gaming console has exited the firstAR gaming environment comprises detecting, via a second sensorassociated with the first AR gaming environment, that a user associatedwith the first gaming console has exited a passenger compartment of thevehicle.

5. The computer-implemented method according to any of clauses 1-4,wherein the first AR gaming environment is associated with a residence,and wherein detecting that the first gaming console has exited the firstAR gaming environment comprises detecting, via a second sensorassociated with the first AR gaming environment, that a user associatedwith the first gaming console has exited a bounded area within theresidence.

6. The computer-implemented method according to any of clauses 1-5,wherein detecting that the first gaming console has entered the secondAR gaming environment comprises detecting a network signal associatedwith the communications network.

7. The computer-implemented method according to any of clauses 1-6,further comprising: detecting that a second gaming console that isexecuting the AR gaming application resides within a third AR gamingenvironment; determining that the second gaming console is within athreshold distance from the first gaming console; and altering executionof the AR gaming application to enable an interaction between the firstgaming console and the second gaming console.

8. The computer-implemented method according to any of clauses 1-7,further comprising: detecting a computing device that is incommunication with the communications network; determining that thecomputing device is configured to execute at least a portion of the ARgaming application; and offloading a task associated with the at least aportion of the AR gaming application to the computing device.

9. The computer-implemented method according to any of clauses 1-8,further comprising: detecting that the first gaming console is about toexit the second AR gaming environment; and offloading the task from thecomputing device to the first gaming console.

10. The computer-implemented method according to any of clauses 1-9,further comprising: detecting that a second gaming console that isexecuting the AR gaming application resides within the second AR gamingenvironment; and generating a mesh network that includes the firstgaming console and the second gaming console.

11. In some embodiments, one or more non-transitory computer-readablemedia include instructions that, when executed by one or moreprocessors, cause the one or more processors to perform the steps of:detecting that a first gaming console that is executing an AR gamingapplication has exited a first AR gaming environment and entered asecond AR gaming environment; connecting to a communications networkassociated with the second AR gaming environment; detecting, via thecommunications network, a sensor associated with the second AR gamingenvironment; and altering execution of the AR gaming application basedat least in part on sensor data received via the sensor to enable the ARgaming application to continue executing as the first gaming consoleexits the first AR gaming environment and enters the second AR gamingenvironment.

12. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media according toclause 11, further comprising: detecting that the first gaming consolehas exited the second AR gaming environment and entered a second ARgaming environment; disconnecting from the communications network; andaltering execution of the AR gaming application based at least in parton second sensor data received via a second sensor integrated into thefirst gaming console to enable the AR gaming application to continueexecuting as the first gaming console exits the second AR gamingenvironment and enters the third AR gaming environment.

13. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media according toclause 11 or clause 12, wherein detecting that the first gaming consolehas exited the first AR gaming environment comprises detecting that areceived signal strength indicator (RSSI) level associated with secondsensor data received via a second sensor associated with the first ARgaming environment is below a threshold level.

14. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media according toany of clauses 11-13, wherein the first AR gaming environment isassociated with a vehicle, and wherein detecting that the first gamingconsole has exited the first AR gaming environment comprises detecting,via a second sensor associated with the first AR gaming environment,that a user associated with the first gaming console has exited apassenger compartment of the vehicle.

15. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media according toany of clauses 11-14, wherein the first AR gaming environment isassociated with an open play space, and wherein detecting that the firstgaming console has exited the first AR gaming environment comprisesdetecting, via a second sensor associated with the first AR gamingenvironment, that a user associated with the first gaming console hasexited a defined area within the open play space.

16. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media according toany of clauses 11-15, wherein detecting that the first gaming consolehas entered the second AR gaming environment comprises detecting anetwork signal associated with the communications network.

17. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media according toany of clauses 11-16, further comprising: detecting that a second gamingconsole that is executing the AR gaming application resides within athird AR gaming environment; determining that the second gaming consoleis within a threshold distance from the first gaming console; andaltering execution of the AR gaming application to enable an interactionbetween the first gaming console and the second gaming console.

18. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media according toany of clauses 11-17, wherein at least a portion of the AR gamingapplication is executing on a remote server in communication with thecommunications network, and further comprising receiving data associatedwith the AR gaming application via the remote server.

19. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media according toany of clauses 11-18, further comprising disconnecting from a secondcommunications network associated with the first AR gaming environment.

20. In some embodiments, a computing device comprises: a memory thatincludes instructions, and a processor that is coupled to the memoryand, when executing the instructions, is configured to: detect that afirst gaming console that is executing an AR gaming application hasexited a first AR gaming environment and entered a second AR gamingenvironment; connect to a communications network associated with thesecond AR gaming environment; detect, via the communications network, asensor associated with the second AR gaming environment; and alterexecution of the AR gaming application based at least in part on sensordata received via the sensor to enable the AR gaming application tocontinue executing as the first gaming console exits the first AR gamingenvironment and enters the second AR gaming environment.

Any and all combinations of any of the claim elements recited in any ofthe claims and/or any elements described in this application, in anyfashion, fall within the contemplated scope of the present invention andprotection.

The descriptions of the various embodiments have been presented forpurposes of illustration, but are not intended to be exhaustive orlimited to the embodiments disclosed. Many modifications and variationswill be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departingfrom the scope and spirit of the described embodiments.

Aspects of the present embodiments may be embodied as a system, methodor computer program product. Accordingly, aspects of the presentdisclosure may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, anentirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software,micro-code, etc.) or an embodiment combining software and hardwareaspects that may all generally be referred to herein as a “module” or“system.” Furthermore, aspects of the present disclosure may take theform of a computer program product embodied in one or more computerreadable medium(s) having computer readable program code embodiedthereon.

Any combination of one or more computer readable medium(s) may beutilized. The computer readable medium may be a computer readable signalmedium or a computer readable storage medium. A computer readablestorage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic,magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system,apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. Morespecific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the computer readablestorage medium would include the following: an electrical connectionhaving one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, arandom access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasableprogrammable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber,a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storagedevice, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of theforegoing. In the context of this document, a computer readable storagemedium may be any tangible medium that can contain, or store a programfor use by or in connection with an instruction execution system,apparatus, or device.

Aspects of the present disclosure are described above with reference toflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus(systems) and computer program products according to embodiments of thedisclosure. It will be understood that each block of the flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in theflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented bycomputer program instructions. These computer program instructions maybe provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, specialpurpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus toproduce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via theprocessor of the computer or other programmable data processingapparatus, enable the implementation of the functions/acts specified inthe flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. Such processors maybe, without limitation, general purpose processors, special-purposeprocessors, application-specific processors, or field-programmable

The flowchart and block diagrams in the figures illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof systems, methods and computer program products according to variousembodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, each block in theflowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portionof code, which comprises one or more executable instructions forimplementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be notedthat, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in theblock may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, twoblocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantiallyconcurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverseorder, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be notedthat each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, andcombinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchartillustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-basedsystems that perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations ofspecial purpose hardware and computer instructions.

While the preceding is directed to embodiments of the presentdisclosure, other and further embodiments of the disclosure may bedevised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scopethereof is determined by the claims that follow.

What is claimed is:
 1. A computer-implemented method for implementingaugmented reality (AR) gameplay across multiple gaming environments, themethod comprising: detecting that a first gaming console that isexecuting an AR gaming application has exited a first AR gamingenvironment and entered a second AR gaming environment; connecting to acommunications network associated with the second AR gaming environment;detecting, via the communications network, a sensor associated with thesecond AR gaming environment; and altering execution of the AR gamingapplication based at least in part on sensor data received via thesensor to enable the AR gaming application to continue executing as thefirst gaming console exits the first AR gaming environment and entersthe second AR gaming environment.
 2. The computer-implemented method ofclaim 1, further comprising: detecting that the first gaming console hasexited the second AR gaming environment and entered a third AR gamingenvironment; disconnecting from the communications network; and alteringexecution of the AR gaming application based at least in part on secondsensor data received via a second sensor integrated into the firstgaming console to enable the AR gaming application to continue executingas the first gaming console exits the second AR gaming environment andenters the third AR gaming environment.
 3. The computer-implementedmethod of claim 1, wherein detecting that the first gaming console hasexited the first AR gaming environment comprises detecting that areceived signal strength indicator (RSSI) level associated with secondsensor data received via a second sensor associated with the first ARgaming environment is below a threshold level.
 4. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the first AR gamingenvironment is associated with a vehicle, and wherein detecting that thefirst gaming console has exited the first AR gaming environmentcomprises detecting, via a second sensor associated with the first ARgaming environment, that a user associated with the first gaming consolehas exited a passenger compartment of the vehicle.
 5. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the first AR gamingenvironment is associated with a residence, and wherein detecting thatthe first gaming console has exited the first AR gaming environmentcomprises detecting, via a second sensor associated with the first ARgaming environment, that a user associated with the first gaming consolehas exited a bounded area within the residence.
 6. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein detecting that the firstgaming console has entered the second AR gaming environment comprisesdetecting a network signal associated with the communications network.7. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising:detecting that a second gaming console that is executing the AR gamingapplication resides within a third AR gaming environment; determiningthat the second gaming console is within a threshold distance from thefirst gaming console; and altering execution of the AR gamingapplication to enable an interaction between the first gaming consoleand the second gaming console.
 8. The computer-implemented method ofclaim 1, further comprising: detecting a computing device that is incommunication with the communications network; determining that thecomputing device is configured to execute a portion of the AR gamingapplication; and offloading a task associated with the portion of the ARgaming application to the computing device.
 9. The computer-implementedmethod of claim 8, further comprising: detecting that the first gamingconsole is about to exit the second AR gaming environment; andoffloading the task from the computing device to the first gamingconsole.
 10. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, furthercomprising: detecting that a second gaming console that is executing theAR gaming application resides within the second AR gaming environment;and generating a mesh network that includes the first gaming console andthe second gaming console.
 11. One or more non-transitorycomputer-readable media including instructions that, when executed byone or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform thesteps of: detecting that a first gaming console that is executing an ARgaming application has exited a first AR gaming environment and entereda second AR gaming environment; connecting to a communications networkassociated with the second AR gaming environment; detecting, via thecommunications network, a sensor associated with the second AR gamingenvironment; and altering execution of the AR gaming application basedat least in part on sensor data received via the sensor to enable the ARgaming application to continue executing as the first gaming consoleexits the first AR gaming environment and enters the second AR gamingenvironment.
 12. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable mediaof claim 11, further comprising: detecting that the first gaming consolehas exited the second AR gaming environment and entered a third ARgaming environment; disconnecting from the communications network; andaltering execution of the AR gaming application based at least in parton second sensor data received via a second sensor integrated into thefirst gaming console to enable the AR gaming application to continueexecuting as the first gaming console exits the second AR gamingenvironment and enters the third AR gaming environment.
 13. The one ormore non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 11, whereindetecting that the first gaming console has exited the first AR gamingenvironment comprises detecting that a received signal strengthindicator (RSSI) level associated with second sensor data received via asecond sensor associated with the first AR gaming environment is below athreshold level.
 14. The one or more non-transitory computer-readablemedia of claim 11, wherein the first AR gaming environment is associatedwith a vehicle, and wherein detecting that the first gaming console hasexited the first AR gaming environment comprises detecting, via a secondsensor associated with the first AR gaming environment, that a userassociated with the first gaming console has exited a passengercompartment of the vehicle.
 15. The one or more non-transitorycomputer-readable media of claim 11, wherein the first AR gamingenvironment is associated with an open play space, and wherein detectingthat the first gaming console has exited the first AR gaming environmentcomprises detecting, via a second sensor associated with the first ARgaming environment, that a user associated with the first gaming consolehas exited a defined area within the open play space.
 16. The one ormore non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 11, whereindetecting that the first gaming console has entered the second AR gamingenvironment comprises detecting a network signal associated with thecommunications network.
 17. The one or more non-transitorycomputer-readable media of claim 11, further comprising: detecting thata second gaming console that is executing the AR gaming applicationresides within a third AR gaming environment; determining that thesecond gaming console is within a threshold distance from the firstgaming console; and altering execution of the AR gaming application toenable an interaction between the first gaming console and the secondgaming console.
 18. The one or more non-transitory computer-readablemedia of claim 11, wherein a portion of the AR gaming application isexecuting on a remote server in communication with the communicationsnetwork, and further comprising receiving data associated with the ARgaming application via the remote server.
 19. The one or morenon-transitory computer-readable media of claim 11, further comprisingdisconnecting from a second communications network associated with thefirst AR gaming environment.
 20. A computing device, comprising: amemory that includes instructions, and a processor that is coupled tothe memory and, when executing the instructions, is configured to:detect that a first gaming console that is executing an AR gamingapplication has exited a first AR gaming environment and entered asecond AR gaming environment; connect to a communications networkassociated with the second AR gaming environment; detect, via thecommunications network, a sensor associated with the second AR gamingenvironment; and alter execution of the AR gaming application based atleast in part on sensor data received via the sensor to enable the ARgaming application to continue executing as the first gaming consoleexits the first AR gaming environment and enters the second AR gamingenvironment.